THE first man to run a four-minute mile made the short sprint across the Pennines to start a race named in his honour this week.

Derek Ibbotson, who was a bronze medallist in the 5,000m at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, marked his 70th birthday by making the trip from his Huddersfield home in time to fire the starting pistol at Cowm Reservoir.

Derek was also the first person to run the mile in exactly four minutes. Dr Roger Bannister clipped a second off the world record in a legendary 1954 race in Oxford.

Race organiser Andy O'Sullivan was delighted Derek took up the invitation to attend. He said: "He may be one of yesterday's heroes now, but he played a very important part in the world of athletics throughout the 50s and that shouldn't be forgotten.

"More than 50 runners finished the race which we ran in aid of the Heart of Huddersfield and Children of Chernobyl appeals. I want to thank Joe Salt of Rochdale Harriers for setting the course and everyone who took part. Special thanks must also go to the staff at the Cock and Magpie for putting on such a fantastic spread at the end of the race. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening."